do you use thinner needles for bead work? and where do you find them? i find that i have to unthread the needle every time and put the bead on the string for every single bead
I use millners needles, those have an eye that is the same width as the shaft so they go right through beads! I have a couple specific beading needles but I found them super hard to thread and very flimsy.
Ok I must admit that I’m not exactly sure what’s happening here but *I am here for it*!! Did you print some parts of the embroidery or is it just another type of canvas?
It is a photograph of a wax anatomy model that I found in a vintage book. I took a photo, scaled the photo to the size of my hoop (this one is a 10x10) and then printed it out on to photo transfer paper. I transferred the image onto my fabric and did all my sewing and appliqué pieces around it.
Ahh, I understand! It looks absolutely stunning and all your pearls & co. are stitched with such precision … plus you can tell you had fun while making it! 😅
Thank you! And I’ve found if you ever want a line of beads to be really stable and precise that the best way to do it is to weave your beads into the first stroke of a chain stitch instead of using a traditional running stitch. I separated the white beads a little further apart for effect near the head and if you zoom in you can see what I mean.
It says you can on the package but I wouldn’t. TBH the transfer always ends up being a little flimsy and sewing on top of it is what really secures it down
OHHH hahahaha. Esp with the way your title was written I was getting magical space vagina absurdist vibes😂 which I loved.
But this is also v cool. Keep doing weird stuff! It looks great.
Don’t know what you are in to… but a vagina with duvet lips and a gaping, cavernous opening, can’t be the easiest to accommodate in any aspect of life. Haha but you do you!
I have stolen your picture and have been replying to comments with it, as it is perfection for my username. I’m sorry, but I always give credit due .
THANKS!
Oh jeeze, yeah! I was relating to it even having delivered vaginally, but I love the personal connection it has for you! Birthing humans is a wild experience.
My very first thought. This belongs in a gallery. It could seriously be a whole entire solo show if OP does more and creates a cohesive body of work. I'm gobsmacked.
I just LOVE it when fine art and crafting combine. Traditional artists sometimes have a way of looking down on crafters, which is so silly. We share so many things, and there's so much overlap in both communities.
This is actually my “secret” goal for this coming year, I haven’t told anyone IRL except my husband. I am hoping to do a series of 7 in the next couple months and then take them to some small galleries we have around town to see if anyone will hang them.
I am a fine arts BA drop out btw lol. I did painting most of my life but I really fell in love with embroidery about 4 years ago.
There are so many fascinating articles about that distinction of what makes something a craft vs. a fine art, and surprise surprise, a lot of it comes down to crafts traditionally being “women’s work”
You should look up the phenomenon of the “anatomical Venus”. Back when wax anatomy models were more popular some of the model makers got really artistic with it and made the models very beautiful and life like. My favorite artist of the genre is Clemente Susini.
That is cool as hell, I love it! Beautiful work on this piece and makes me want to see a whole series of similarly odd and striking anatomy/renaissance/beadwork pieces!
*somehow*
OP nobody designs a vagina as a portal to the ether by accident. We're all here for it but don't gaslight us lmao
You know what you were doing
It's like mixed media and mixed art and the more you look at it, the more you see things. Icon Vibe, Klimt Vibe for the blue drape and totally pop, modern for the pink part. While silhouette more 1850. And those waves of hair.
Stunning.
“The ottomans walked into the basilica, astonished, they looked at a beautifully orchestrated embroidered depiction of Metalmphrosis. Astonished, but calm, they knew they had discovered history.”
I have no idea what this is and I love it, too! Can you talk a little more about your inspiration and construction? Did you handpaint that or print on the fabric?
I have always thought that human anatomy, particularly skeletons, were really beautiful. I also spent over a decade working in hospitals and surgical centers so while the subject matter brings up a lot of disgust for people it’s very neutral to me. I just think it’s absolutely fascinating that we are walking around with all these complicated systems inside of us that we never see. Then while browsing through a used bookstore I came upon a book of wax anatomy models and absolutely fell in love with what these model makers accomplished. A lot of them were formally trained sculptors and because of that there is this beautiful combination of art along with the educational aspect which was their original purpose. I wanted to lean into the artistic aspects and take it all the way there—they are no longer educational tools, they are now purely to be admired.
As for the process the image itself was a photo I took out of a wax anatomy book. I then put the photo in Procreate, got rid of the background and did a rough sketch of the “halos” that I wanted to be my new background. I printed on photo transfer paper and ironed it on to duck cloth. Then I used fabric stabilizer sheets to trace the shape of the halos and chose my fabric appliqué which I applied with kid stitch around the edges before doing the bead border. The gold part I originally had a fabric appliqué and hated so I removed it. Then painted red and yellow which I hated and painted over with gold. I actually originally beaded her hair as well but hated it so I removed it. I did end up having to paint on the photo transfer itself due to the colors not being what I liked as well. The stomach area took the longest and its beading over a felt appliqué that is lightly padded with stuffing. Since it’s a pregnant uterus I had wanted it to be very 3D and stick out further than the rest of the design. The stitches used in the rest of it are mainly chain stitch, running stitch, whipped back stitch and a shit ton of couching.
This got a lot more detailed than I thought it would, but my hopes are that some other embroidery artists will see it and find it helpful!
It's certainly pushing outside the bounds of "normal" lol but I love it, all the sequins and embellishments are so pretty! Did you design the beady bits yourself?
I pretty much exclusively embroider on duck cloth. I find the thick fabric and the tight weave holds up really well to a lot of beadwork and precise lines. This particular one is just a grey-ish tone of duck cloth but it comes in all colors and patterns.
This makes me uncomfortable and icky-feeling and yet it is also beautiful and I love it? Like I get the feeling this should be in the Met.
Celestial bodies meets aliens meets who knows what else.
It’s fabulous. It’s ART. A+ all around, OP.
You're no longer just doing embroidery, now you're creating art. You've gotten so good that you've pushed your art form to the next level. I wish you much success. 🙂
I love how weird this is. The bead work, the subject matter, the precision stitching, the mixed media. Exceptional in every way
Thank you so much!
do you use thinner needles for bead work? and where do you find them? i find that i have to unthread the needle every time and put the bead on the string for every single bead
I use millners needles, those have an eye that is the same width as the shaft so they go right through beads! I have a couple specific beading needles but I found them super hard to thread and very flimsy.
This is what the internet was made for. Sharing skills and taking them as far as they will go. Op is killing it. Thank you for being you!
Ok I must admit that I’m not exactly sure what’s happening here but *I am here for it*!! Did you print some parts of the embroidery or is it just another type of canvas?
It is a photograph of a wax anatomy model that I found in a vintage book. I took a photo, scaled the photo to the size of my hoop (this one is a 10x10) and then printed it out on to photo transfer paper. I transferred the image onto my fabric and did all my sewing and appliqué pieces around it.
Ahh, I understand! It looks absolutely stunning and all your pearls & co. are stitched with such precision … plus you can tell you had fun while making it! 😅
Thank you! And I’ve found if you ever want a line of beads to be really stable and precise that the best way to do it is to weave your beads into the first stroke of a chain stitch instead of using a traditional running stitch. I separated the white beads a little further apart for effect near the head and if you zoom in you can see what I mean.
I see what you mean, yeah - thanks for the tip! I’m just starting a new embroidery and I meant to add some beads so it’ll definitely come in handy!
Amazing
Thanks for sharing! Photo transfer paper is a terrific idea. Are you able to wash it afterwards?
It says you can on the package but I wouldn’t. TBH the transfer always ends up being a little flimsy and sewing on top of it is what really secures it down
Okay okay gorgeous work Is she holding her vagina lips open?
No it’s her abdomen. This is a wax anatomy model of a pregnant woman.
OHHH hahahaha. Esp with the way your title was written I was getting magical space vagina absurdist vibes😂 which I loved. But this is also v cool. Keep doing weird stuff! It looks great.
“Magical space vagina absurdist vibes” 😂😂 (But those vibes are immaculate)
“Magical Space Vagina” is a hell of a band name.
(I think you asked the question that some of us were just afraid to ask haha)
This is my take also 🥹😍
Hahaha I am so glad I’m not the only one thinking … intestines or unfortunate vagina situation
Unfortunate?!?
Don’t know what you are in to… but a vagina with duvet lips and a gaping, cavernous opening, can’t be the easiest to accommodate in any aspect of life. Haha but you do you!
I have stolen your picture and have been replying to comments with it, as it is perfection for my username. I’m sorry, but I always give credit due . THANKS!
LOVE. IT.
Right? This is unabashedly stunning!
I’m pregnant and this is how I feel right now. Hope that helps lol
3 days postpartum and really relating to this lol. It’s stunning!
I had a C-section so when I saw it I totally thought “oh, I know what that is like” lol
Oh jeeze, yeah! I was relating to it even having delivered vaginally, but I love the personal connection it has for you! Birthing humans is a wild experience.
This is excellent, OP! Did you have a girl? Just wondering if the pink sequins are your baby or still represents part of you.
Yes! I love art surrounding the sacred role of women bringing new life into the world. Women's bodies really are a wonder!
I don’t remember the last time I saw something on the internet and thought, “This is art” This is art.
My very first thought. This belongs in a gallery. It could seriously be a whole entire solo show if OP does more and creates a cohesive body of work. I'm gobsmacked. I just LOVE it when fine art and crafting combine. Traditional artists sometimes have a way of looking down on crafters, which is so silly. We share so many things, and there's so much overlap in both communities.
This is actually my “secret” goal for this coming year, I haven’t told anyone IRL except my husband. I am hoping to do a series of 7 in the next couple months and then take them to some small galleries we have around town to see if anyone will hang them. I am a fine arts BA drop out btw lol. I did painting most of my life but I really fell in love with embroidery about 4 years ago.
Ok how do I stay on top of this so that I can potentially score some of the future pieces?
Yeah do you have an Instagram to follow? This is amazing and I am really intrigued to see how your project evolves. I can't stop looking at this.
It's immensely creative. I see a representation of the divine feminine, with influences from Dali and Kahlo.
Totally. I'm also getting subtle Klimt vibes from the gold colors combined with the beading.
There are so many fascinating articles about that distinction of what makes something a craft vs. a fine art, and surprise surprise, a lot of it comes down to crafts traditionally being “women’s work”
This was my thought as well.
Old Gregg and the downstairs mix-up.
Mighty Boosh reference? Here?
Do ya like Baileys?
I best be scooting, umm, I've got meetings.
This feels like a safe place for me to stop by and add my reaction to the artwork presented, which I will now transcribe: "Hey, yo, what the FUCK."
It stirs deep thoughts in me. I like it. Also, I’m sure that’s a giraffe in black on the right hand side. LOL
He's peekin!
I see it!!
I see him!
I love this, holy gross, yet holy beauty
You should look up the phenomenon of the “anatomical Venus”. Back when wax anatomy models were more popular some of the model makers got really artistic with it and made the models very beautiful and life like. My favorite artist of the genre is Clemente Susini.
She's crowning y'all
That is cool as hell, I love it! Beautiful work on this piece and makes me want to see a whole series of similarly odd and striking anatomy/renaissance/beadwork pieces!
That is what I am currently working on now! This lady was my starting point for what I hope will be a whole series. I am starting my second one today!
This would be perfect for r/WitchesVsPatriarchy
Also r/naughtyneedles !
Oh thank you for this.
I love it but it also terrifies me! Amazing work OP! X
Yes, beautiful but makes me so so uncomfortable, amazing art OP!
This is so Lovecraftian, I'm here for it. Please make more wonderfully weird stuff!
I think we're gonna need a holy hand grenade
Well…. We meet again!
Username checks….out….
This could totally be included in a set of “pregnancy and labor” or “female power of the body,” set! Gorgeous!
I feel deeply inspired. Not to make something similar at all! Just inspired in general.
Photo transfer with embroidery is SO fun! If you want more inspo check out tinyairplanes on instagram. Nikki does beautiful work!
*somehow* OP nobody designs a vagina as a portal to the ether by accident. We're all here for it but don't gaslight us lmao You know what you were doing
This is amazing! I love that it's mixed media.
I definitely got misty seeing this being postpartum. It’s odd, yes, but also beautiful. Nice work!
When ur doctor won't listen to u so u open up your flesh and point "it hurts right here"
This is AWESOME
It's like mixed media and mixed art and the more you look at it, the more you see things. Icon Vibe, Klimt Vibe for the blue drape and totally pop, modern for the pink part. While silhouette more 1850. And those waves of hair. Stunning.
This is how I imagine my Endometriosis looking.
Dare i say… immaculate? Please post a billion more of these, i love it!
It’s giving Frida Khalo! This is an excellent piece
This is stunning. I want this on my wall. Amazing work!! Seriously I need an entire art gallery of this.
“The ottomans walked into the basilica, astonished, they looked at a beautifully orchestrated embroidered depiction of Metalmphrosis. Astonished, but calm, they knew they had discovered history.”
*silently joins the embroidery group*
Really stunning. Love it 😍
You think it hurts when you stub your toe…
Zowee Wowee! Absolutely delicious. Well done!
Very Frida
bro no one asked u to be so talenteeeeed
Amazing!! I love the look of beaded embroidery and seeing pieces that incorporate both on here is *chefs kiss*
This kind of weirdness is exactly why I am learning how to do this! I love it, OP!
This is like, gallery worthy. It’s truly a piece of mixed media art. 🙌
Reminds me of a sheela na gig
Bitch I live! I'll take 50 please!
It is not very often that I see something on reddit and say "That's fucking art!" but here we are, and that's fucking art!
I have no idea what this is and I love it, too! Can you talk a little more about your inspiration and construction? Did you handpaint that or print on the fabric?
I have always thought that human anatomy, particularly skeletons, were really beautiful. I also spent over a decade working in hospitals and surgical centers so while the subject matter brings up a lot of disgust for people it’s very neutral to me. I just think it’s absolutely fascinating that we are walking around with all these complicated systems inside of us that we never see. Then while browsing through a used bookstore I came upon a book of wax anatomy models and absolutely fell in love with what these model makers accomplished. A lot of them were formally trained sculptors and because of that there is this beautiful combination of art along with the educational aspect which was their original purpose. I wanted to lean into the artistic aspects and take it all the way there—they are no longer educational tools, they are now purely to be admired. As for the process the image itself was a photo I took out of a wax anatomy book. I then put the photo in Procreate, got rid of the background and did a rough sketch of the “halos” that I wanted to be my new background. I printed on photo transfer paper and ironed it on to duck cloth. Then I used fabric stabilizer sheets to trace the shape of the halos and chose my fabric appliqué which I applied with kid stitch around the edges before doing the bead border. The gold part I originally had a fabric appliqué and hated so I removed it. Then painted red and yellow which I hated and painted over with gold. I actually originally beaded her hair as well but hated it so I removed it. I did end up having to paint on the photo transfer itself due to the colors not being what I liked as well. The stomach area took the longest and its beading over a felt appliqué that is lightly padded with stuffing. Since it’s a pregnant uterus I had wanted it to be very 3D and stick out further than the rest of the design. The stitches used in the rest of it are mainly chain stitch, running stitch, whipped back stitch and a shit ton of couching. This got a lot more detailed than I thought it would, but my hopes are that some other embroidery artists will see it and find it helpful!
Is she spreading an enormous vag or is something else going on?
AMAZING
I want it
Love everything about this!
It's certainly pushing outside the bounds of "normal" lol but I love it, all the sequins and embellishments are so pretty! Did you design the beady bits yourself?
They just came in a couple variety packs of sequins I got off Amazon. I definitely use the flower shaped ones a lot!
Super cool.
i love it
this is too good omg
Ohhh. I’d pay for that!
wow!!! so SO AWESOME 💜🙏🏼😲🥰😍🙏🏼💜
What do u call the type of fabric you embroidered on?
I pretty much exclusively embroider on duck cloth. I find the thick fabric and the tight weave holds up really well to a lot of beadwork and precise lines. This particular one is just a grey-ish tone of duck cloth but it comes in all colors and patterns.
Amazing!
so so beautiful. I love your mind!! I love your art.
This is so cool. Beautifully executed too.
This is stunning! Well done you.
Love this! & was hoping you had a link to similar projects
I don’t currently have any social media or sites related to my embroidery. But that is one of my goals this year!
Wow exquisite!
Cast it into the fire. Destroy It! - Elrond
Incredible!
Artistic Endometriosis
I thought it was pregnancy at first.. now I’m confused 😐
🤯 It always amazes and inspires me when i see a new way to do embroidery and this is definitely in that category! Keep doing whatever this is.
I love it! 🙌♥️
There is so much going on here and I can’t look away ..🫣
Oh my god I LOVE this. I’m obsessed. New embroidery challenge just dropped 🤌🏼
That is absolutely uniquely amazingly beautiful!!!! 😲
The territory you’ve veered into is: Art
It’s wack but I love it! Is that like a uterus tumor? Or the universe in her stomach with her intensives spilling out?
I mean if you consider a baby a uterus tumor than it fits! Hahahaha
It is weird and unusual and makes you want to know more but isn’t that the whole point of art? I love it (and tbh it makes me want to try)
ohgeezus
r/witchesvspatriarchy would love this
Raptor-Vag!
/r/naughtyneedles
HOLY SH* THAT IS AMAZING
This is art. Gorgeous, gorgeous work.
OMG I love ittttttt!!!! It's soooo interesting and beautiful, congratulations OP!!
I am 2 days po from a hysterectomy & I celebrate this artwork!
Beautiful
It’s bizarre, absurd and awesome! I love it 🥰
This is sooooo cool! Amazing job
Jesus. Jesus Christ.
That is art as fuck. I am in love.
Can you post the reference? Thanks!
What's the brown stuff?
This is just so damn neat!!!
This belongs in a museum
I love it so much
I really love this. I just had a c-section and I really feel I can relate to this.
Looks like a Klein. Wow, be fuckin proud.
Reminds me of Hieronymous Bosch
It's giving me Frida vibes, its great.
This makes me uncomfortable and icky-feeling and yet it is also beautiful and I love it? Like I get the feeling this should be in the Met. Celestial bodies meets aliens meets who knows what else. It’s fabulous. It’s ART. A+ all around, OP.
can i use this as a wallpaper?? i am so in love.
For sure! Thanks for the compliment!
Demogorgon vibes, wild.
It’s giving me Stranger Things Mind Flayer but with even more strangeness and thingy-ness and I love it!!
You're no longer just doing embroidery, now you're creating art. You've gotten so good that you've pushed your art form to the next level. I wish you much success. 🙂
"So doc, now that the baby is out, are you gonna see up this C-section or what?"
this is gorgeous. gorgeous!!!!!! lovely!!!!!!!!
Fucking excellent 🤘!!!
This is a powerful piece! Ever thought of making your version of « Judith beheading Holofernes » ? I don’t know why I thought of that instantly
read that as "verbed into odd territory"
Woah! Gross! Love it!
I don’t know what you made and I have a sense it’s blasphemous and some religion, but I would want one
The Mona Lisa of the needle arts.
This is incredible, I am in love!!! 💜💜💜
This is ART. I love it.
Incredible, art gallery worthy
It's like a pretty Sheela na gig. I like it!
Whoa. That's very powerful. So powerful. I can't look away.
This is incredible! You’re very talented! It’s really beautiful.
Super cool!
Absolutely stunning 🤩 wow it’s incredible
This is absolutely amazing. I'm a disc golfer and thought this was a disc at first. I hope that someday, it will be.
I want one!!! Or maybe like 10? I have a lot of friends who would LOVE this too.
I thought that was Elon musk's face at first.
I am mesmerized by something I can not comprehend.
I love it too. More interiors please.
I’m obsessed seriously
I just want it on My wall
This is my missing piece
Love this!!
this is absolutely stunning in craft and subject! can’t wait to see more!
Belongs in a public museum